Jason Bateman has been in the business for over four decades. And throughout his transition from TV to films, the actor has built a reputation of being an excellent comedic actor. However, over the years, the actor, director, and now even a podcaster, has branched out from his comedic persona, showing he can fit comfortably in a wide number of different genres. That being said, there are still a few standout comedic gems from his earlier work that fans continue to treasure and remember him for. 

One such 2011 movie made Bateman go extraordinary lengths to make sure he landed the role in that film. 

Jason Bateman, back in 2011, got the chance to collaborate with fellow funny guy in Hollywood, Ryan Reynolds, for The Change-up. During an interview with his co-star with Collider, Bateman revealed that he not only had to “fire off emails” and “kiss some rings,” but he “begged and pleaded for a long time” to be a part of the film alongside one of the comic actors he respected the most in the business, Reynolds. 

“It came out so well and I feel really lucky,” Bateman added. However, the Horrible Bosses star was not convinced by the idea right away. Like everyone else, Bateman found the idea of another body switching movie quite clichéd. However, upon learning that it was written by The Hangover's Jon Lucas and Scott Moore and directed by the Wedding Crashers's David Dobkin, he knew that it was going to be “pretty good”. 

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Even though The Change-Up did not pan out as Bateman expected, it did strengthen his friendship with Ryan Reynolds. 

While The Change-Up was not received that well by fans, the dynamic between the lead actors has led many to call for another project together.  In the interview, Ryan Reynolds shared how Jason Bateman was “the first guy who was nice” to him in the industry. The Deadpool star met Bateman when he was 19, very new in the business, and was obviously discombobulated amid the hustle of the new town. 

Reynolds recalled how Bateman comforted him with a sweet message that the now 48-year-old immediately saved. “Just call anytime if you need anything,” Bateman added in his note for Reynolds. But even though they knew each other, they were not really close back then. However, through mutual friends, and with their joint project in 2011, both Reynolds and Bateman drew nearer to each other.

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What do you think about Jason Bateman and Ryan Reynolds’ interview? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!